Kristian Garic

Kristian's Quick Hits: Pats show class, Saints shine in MA

by Kristian Garic,posted Aug 8 2012 3:30PM

8.8.12 - Kristian@wwl.com - Reporting from Foxboro, MA

On the mend: Saints defensive back Johnny Patrick returned to practice after leaving Tuesday’s workout with a sore back. “Right now, I’m fine and I am going in the game,” Patrick told me after practice. CB Patrick Robinson (shoulder) worked in individual drills, his first action in over a week. It's likely Robinson likely will not play in the Thursday night game. LB David Hawthorne (hip flexor) and WR Adrian Arrington (knee), will not play against New England. Hawthorne and Arrington did not practice.

Big Scare: Tight End Jimmy Graham made a great catch in team vs. team against New England. Graham came down hard on his back after the diving catch, and jumped right up and spiked the ball. He looked to be fine, but once he got over to the sidelines he appeared to be in significant pain. Graham was holding his back as trainers looked at him. He seemed to get better throughout practice, and was later seen moving around. He did not return to the field, although he stayed with his team mates on the sidelines.

Coach Vitt later told us Graham is fine.

“If it was anything serious, the trainers would have told me about it, he’s fine,” Coach Vitt said.

I think it’s a safe bet the Sints will hold Graham out of the pre-season game against New England.

Defensive effort: I don’t know how good the Saints defense is going to be...It’s hard to tell just two weeks into training camp. However, the Black and Gold D clearly frustrated Tom Brady, forcing the three-time Super Bowl Champ to check down and settle for underneath throws a bunch in practices against the Saints. The defense seems to really benefit from having a chance to put their eyes on football with Coach Spags' Zone pressure scheme. The safeties are a big part of this defense, and both Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper have gotten their hands on a number of potential interceptions.

Brady vs. Brees: It’s a common debate...who would you take? If your allegiance is with the Black and Gold, your answer is simple. If you are a Patriots fan, you’re picking Brady. Me? I’m taking Brees, and twice on Sunday. Brees outshined Brady in two practices with the Patriots. Brady wasn’t awful; Brees was just that good.

National Star power: I was pleased to see the Patriots fans recognize a good football team when they saw one. After all, they should be well versed in what a good team looks like. Pats fans were very respectful towards the Saints. In fact, Drew Brees might have been the most popular player on the field aside from Tom Brady.

The Patriots organization and the fans are class! They cheered and applauded Brees and the Saints, even if it was at the expense of Patriots. Brees was highly sought after once practice closed. You could hear fans hollering “Drew, Drew, Drew can you sign this? Can I take a picture with you?" And of course, Drew obliged.

As a nice final touch, at the close of Wednesday's practice, the Patriots staff played "When the Saints Go Marching In" over the training facility's PA system. Great folks all around.

Kristian's Quick Hits from the road: Pats show class, Saints shine in MA

Please Enter Your Comments Below

08/08/2012 5:28PM

Rod Guidry in SacramentoI

It's great to see our team get respect out side the WHO DAT nation. We stretch from New England to CA, from FL to WA. WE ARE THE WHO DAT NATION!!!

08/09/2012 1:06AM

Lloyd in Jackson, Ms.

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself here, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Saints had a top ten Defense when all is said and done. No one has paid too much attention to the plethora of awesome free agent talent the Saints have aquired in the offseason, not to mention we got one if the best Defensive minds in the game in Spags. It's awesome to see the Saints and Pats practice together, and I'm sure the boys appreciate a break from the HEAT! Who Dat!! Sproles for MVP!!!